An Analysis Method for Comparing ADC Merit in Digital and Hybrid Phased Array

To meet unique mission objectives, a given phased array system must balance performance at a certain DC power limit. This paper uses RF-to-ADC cascade modeling to show dynamic range (linearity and noise) and sample rate trade-offs against DC power consumption in a multichannel system with varying channel summation in both the RF and digital realms. A framework for optimizing these criteria against DC power consumption is suggested. The popular Schreier and Walden ADC figures of merit (FOMs) are extended to a multichannel system to express a single system FOM portraying optimal dynamic range normalized for DC power expense.